Election Preview: How Will South Brunswick BOE Candidates Handle Budget Cuts?

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — One of the primary concerns for the school district is the cut in state aid for the 2022-23 school year.

The district recently formed a committee to help the district navigate the budget cuts. The committee includes 42 residents from different walks of life.

Superintendent Scott Feder has said time and again that the district has a “challenging budget coming up.”

The district is also set to lose 100 percent of funding for its student mental health services, including the BRIDGE program in the 2023-24 school year.

The South Brunswick School District has consistently ranked among the best in the state. More: NJ's Best School Districts: South Brunswick Top 12 In Niche Ranking

But with cuts in state aid, the district could face an uphill task retaining essential services.

Patch had sent out a questionnaire to all Board of Education candidates ahead of the election. One of the questions asked them to detail their plans for handling budget cuts.

Q: South Brunswick saw its funding cut by more than $1.7 million in 2022-23. What do you plan to do to ensure no services are affected?

Here’s what they said:

Alisha Khan: I think the school board's plan to enact a Budget Committee featuring various members is the most efficient way for everyone to properly look at the budget and see how money can be allocated in the most efficient way possible. In my current position, I am also responsible for the finances. I will use that experience in making sure that the programs for the students remain intact in order to ensure that the students do not feel the repercussions of these budget cuts.

Laura Hernandez: In my position as a public school principal, developing and implementing a large budget was one facet of my job. Upon getting elected, I would familiarize myself with all the line items of our school budget to gain first-hand knowledge and meet with Superintendent Feder to gain an understanding of what the newly formed Community Budget Committee has reviewed and what recommendations have been put forth. It’s important to have shared discussions and brainstorming sessions with my fellow board members and work collaboratively with them on how to best allocate the monies we currently have. And, of course, gaining knowledge from our Business Administrator would help ensure that the most appropriate, effective and logical decision(s) would be made to best serve our students. Once I become properly educated with the finances of our district, I would be able to make an educated, informed decision as to how best to serve our students without affecting current service and to ensure each child receives a thorough and efficient education as stated in U.S. law.

Ray Kuehner: Continue working with the district administration and staff to find any additional cost-effective ways to operate our buildings and district.

James Lavan: This is a tough topic because budgetary requirements mean that hard decisions need to be made by weighing all options and making sober decisions. Once again, we have a great school system because we have amazing families and amazing teachers. Students and teachers need to be the priority in any excellent school system. With this firmly held priority, the first place I would look is toward our top-heavy administrative costs. Restructuring these positions and taking similar actions are ways that costs can be cut while not affecting services and resources for students. Our administrators, who are not in the classroom with children, are paid far, far more than the teachers and paraprofessionals that directly impact our children each day. Also, I would work with my fellow board members to better understand the state funding formula that resulted in our budget cut. By knowing what criteria is used by the state to allocate funding, we can work as a Board to ensure our schools and community get the funds needed to keep our schools as wonderful as they are.

Joyce Mehta: South Brunswick School District has an excellent reputation in the field of academics, sport, music and much more- indispensable programs much needed for our students, which we must retain at all cost. To ensure that services are not drastically affected we must address following: Identify the root cause, determine how the funding cut was analyzed, understand what types of metrics were used to determine funding, analyze and learn from similar districts, appeal if there are any anomalies. In addition, we must examine our budget to reduce expenses as well as look for opportunities for other funding sources.

Julie Ferrara did not yet respond to Patch’s questionnaire.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. For the 2022 election guide, click here.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com